The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled leave for police officers assigned to election security duties ahead of the 2027 general elections and ordered an intensified crackdown on bandits across the country.

Disu also directed the immediate deployment of additional police personnel, mobility assets and air support to communities affected by bandit attacks, as the Nigeria Police Force moves to strengthen security operations nationwide.

The directives were announced on Wednesday, November 11, during the police chief’s monthly conference with strategic senior officers in Abuja.

As part of the measures, commissioners of police in affected states were given 72 hours to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements to the Force Headquarters.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations was also directed to coordinate the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to the most affected areas in consultation with the relevant commands.

Disu acknowledged that bandit attacks were continuing in some parts of the country, warning that the police must respond with sustained intelligence-led operations and stronger engagement with local communities.

He directed police commands to establish operational plans for high-risk areas and deepen intelligence gathering through traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, the IGP ordered the immediate cancellation of leave for all officers and personnel assigned to election security duties.

He also directed commissioners of police and other senior officers to remain within their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process. Any movement outside their areas of responsibility must receive express approval from the Force Headquarters.

The police chief further instructed commissioners to verify the readiness of election security equipment, communication facilities, operational vehicles and protective gear, with reports expected by the end of the week.

He also called for direct coordination between police commands, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu warned officers against allowing politicians to influence their conduct or use their positions to undermine the electoral process.

He said the police would remain non-partisan and provide equal protection to candidates, political parties, their supporters and eligible voters, regardless of political affiliation.

The IGP cautioned that officers found colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery or interfering with voters’ rights would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Disu disclosed that the police had arrested 218 suspects for alleged banditry and terrorism since the previous strategic officers’ conference.

He also reported the arrest of 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists.

According to him, the Force rescued 95 kidnapped victims and recovered 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition and 116 stolen vehicles within the period.

The police chief also directed commissioners to ensure that outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of officers killed in the line of duty were settled without further delay.

He ordered a welfare audit across police commands to identify unpaid entitlements, accommodation gaps and other pressing concerns, with reports to be submitted to his office within 30 days.

The latest directives come as security agencies prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the police expected to provide security for voters, electoral officials, candidates and other participants throughout the electoral process.